RIDE WORLD WIDE. Chile

Transcription

1 RIDE WORLD WIDE Chile Patagonian Frontier and the Puelo Valley Ride Information Sheet South of Puerto Montt and nestled between the Andean Cordillera and the Pacific Ocean, the Puelo Valley is the Chilean gateway to Patagonia, an area of 1 million square miles straddling the Chilean / Argentine border as it plunges south to Tierra del Fuego. It is the beginning of the fabled land of fjords, snow-capped volcanoes, hanging glaciers, roaring milky-blue rivers, green forested hills and the enchantment of Southern Chile. Much of the landscape is Valdivian forest, one of only a few examples of temperate rainforests in the world. This rainforest is home to a unique collection of animals including the threatened Chilean huemul, the Kodkod (the continent s smallest cat) and the tree-climbing southern Pudu, the world s smallest deer. The forests themselves contain the endemic monkey puzzle tree which has existed since the time of dinosaurs, and also the Alerce tree, with living specimens dated at over 3500 years old. The neat and energetic Chilean Criollo horse is without doubt the best way to explore this magical landscape. The rides are run by Argentine-born Cathy Berard who is passionate not only about the startling beautiful area, but also the horses that allow such extensive exploration. Cathy moved to the Puelo Valley in 1997 and with the help of her loyal team of baqueanos, has been organising trips in the area ever since. Dates Set departure rides between November and late March explore the Puelo and Ventisqueros valleys in Chile. On the Grand Traverse you also ride in Argentina - and in most cases you cross the border between Chile and Argentina (by boat). Please see below for departure dates. We can also arrange other departures and itineraries, and tailor-make trips for private groups. Please call us for availability and to check possible options.

2 [2] Riding Hours in the saddle vary depending on the ride itinerary, and range from 4 to 8 hours riding each day, with breaks to rest and for lunch. You may also be asked to get off to lead up or down any steep hills, so you do need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground and on a gradient - and of course mount your horse unaided. Rides can be arranged for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 guests (maximum 8 on Grand Traverse). Horses are tacked up and prepared for you each morning by the grooms. The Horses The horses used are locally bred Chilean Criollos, some owned by Cathy Berard (including a couple of pure bred Criollo Corralero Chileno mares), others by the baqueanos (local horsemen). The Chilean Corralero is the oldest registered stock horse breed in all the Americas and the third oldest registered breed in the Western Hemisphere. The horses average 14-15hh, are strong, sensible, very sure footed, responsive and forward going, so great fun to ride. They are ridden in the local manner using traditional Chilean tack which has evolved to give the huaso (Chilean cowboy) maximum stability when working with cattle. Feet forward, heels down and pushing into the back of the saddle so the rider s weight is balanced behind and in front of the centre of gravity rather than concentrating the weight in a column over one spot, remarkably comfortable and secure over rough terrain and long distances, particularly in the sheepskin covered saddles. On the Argentine side (Grand Traverse only) the horses are a little taller and saddles are Argentinian gaucho saddles, also comfortable with the same riding style. Saddlebags are always provided for personal belongings and pack horses transport luggage. The weight limit on most rides is 90kg / 14 stone. Heavier riders can be catered for but there will generally be a charge for an extra horse (approx USD 180 for the ride). Pace The pace on these trips will vary depending on the going and terrain, generally they will be at a slow to moderate pace overall with some lovely canters along valley floors and along river banks but due to the terrain there are slower sections, with some quite steep mountain tracks, which dictate the pace. The pace can be varied to some extent to suit the abilities of the group. Riding Experience The rides are aimed at reasonably experienced, confident riders. To join them you must feel relaxed, comfortable and secure in the saddle at a walk, trot and fast canter. You should also be used to riding for reasonably long hours, in an open environment, on sometimes challenging terrain. There are occasional interesting river crossings which require riders to be quiet and confident in the saddle. The horses are sensible, but they have a generally lively temperament and suit confident, relaxed riders. Fitness As with all our rides, you will enjoy your trip much more if you are fit - both riding fit and with a good level of general fitness. There may be places where you need to dismount to walk over rough ground - both uphill and down. Even if you are in good physical shape, if you do not ride regularly at home then we recommend some concentrated training in the months before you go to get used to the hours you will spend in the saddle.

3 [3] Terrain The Puelo Valley is at the southern end on the Andes range. There are still some quite high snow capped peaks in the vicinity of up to 10,000ft, and some valleys are steep sided with granite cliffs but altitude is not really a problem as the highest passes in the area are no more than 7,000ft. High rainfall means that much of the area is forested and there are many rivers, streams and waterfalls. The riding routes are interesting and varied, there are a number of river crossings and some steep climbs but also some more open areas, with flat bottomed river valleys and rolling 'pampa' on the Argentine side. Safety Rides are accompanied by an English speaking guide as well as local guides and grooms. A medical kit for both horses and riders is carried on each trip. Life jackets are provided on boats for river & lake crossings. VHF radio and communication equipment and mobile phones are carried in case of emergencies. Accommodation There is a range of accommodation on these rides, in the main you stay in small and simple farms as guests of local families. Rooms in these rustic homes are simple, mainly twin or triple, and in some cases they are just mattresses on the floor in the attic. Bathrooms are simple too and shared - sometimes only one between the group (though short hot showers are generally available for all). Meals are often eaten with the families. On all rides you also spend a night or two on the little heart-shaped private island of Isla las Bandurrias where you stay in a cosy guest cottage. The cottage has shared rooms for up to 6 people and a couple of bathrooms, a wood burning stove and magnificent views which can be enjoyed from the sun deck. Breakfast is eaten in the cottage and dinner is in the main house on the island where there are an additional two guest bedrooms. On the Puelo Ride you spend 5 nights at small farms and 2 nights on Isla las Bandurrias; on the Andean Crossing Ride there are 3 nights farm accommodation and 2 nights on Isla las Bandurrias; on the Grande Traverse 2 nights are spent camping, 2 nights at a small farmhouse belonging to your Argentine hosts (or in tee-pees set up next to it), 2 nights on Isla las Bandurrias, 4 nights are in local farmhouses, and 3 nights in more comfortable hotels/ guesthouses. Camping is in simple 'dome' tents with inflatable mattresses provided. Each 3 man tent is usually shared by 2 people and camp is set up for you on arrival. There are no showers in camps - the clear mountain rivers and lakes are used for washing and loos are open air. Meals when camping are cooked by the baqueanos over an open fire and are usually eaten around the fire. Single rooms / tents are NOT usually possible (single rooms at hotels before or after the rides, and on the 2 hotel nights of the Grand Traverse, can be booked for an extra charge). You will need a sleeping bag for the 3 nights camping on the Grand Traverse - if requested in advance these can be hired for an extra USD 20.

4 [4] Meals The food on these rides is a blend of flavours and ingredients consisting of a variety of Andean Creole- Chilean styles. It is generally cooked using a traditional wood burning stove giving a special flavour to the dishes. Depending on the season, you may be served rainbow trout, brook trout (fontinalis), or sea trout. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the staple of Patagonian cuisine, the traditional barbecue Asado al palo or Asado al Asador - delicious lamb cooked over glowing embers. As the main local dish, it can be cooked in different ways, usually accompanied with salad, potatoes and, of course, Chilean or Argentine red wine. Vegetables and fruits are excellent and the variety of the region's berries is impressive. Water from the many springs is crystal clear, safe to drink and tastes delicious. Vegetarians will be catered for as far as possible but please give us prior notice of any special dietary requirements. Weather With the Andes on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this is an area of diverse microclimates often within surprisingly small distances and includes arid desert, high plains, Mediterranean, semi-temperate, cold and temperate rainforests and Patagonian steppes. The established weather patterns are extremely variable and unpredictable. Between October 1st and the 31st of March you can normally expect temperatures within the 15ºC and 25ºC range during the day, in mid summer it can be a little hotter. In the southern hemisphere spring and autumn the temperatures fluctuate between 8ºC and 20ºC. The average yearly rainfall in the Puelo Valley is over 2000mm and it can rain at any time of year. As you are in the mountains you need to be prepared for climate changes at any given time of year - it is possible to have a snowstorm one day followed by temperatures edging 32ºC the next. What to bring We will send you a list of things we suggest you bring when you make your booking. Dates and Rates Please note that due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, ride rates are now quoted in USD. The sterling price will be the equivalent sterling rate using the USD/sterling exchange rate in force when you book/pay. Other dates are possible on request. Grand Traverse 5th to 18th November th to 20th January th to 17th March rd to 16th December th to 17th February 2019 USD 5880 per person (7-8 riders); USD 6490 (4-6); USD 7640 (3); USD 7980 (2) 14 days / 13 nights; 11 days riding, average 7-8 hours a day single rooms available in hotels on 2 nights for an additional USD 70 per night Andean Crossing Ride 21st to 26th November th December 2018 to 2nd January rd to 28th February th to 23rd December nd to 7th February 2019 USD 2900 per person, (9-10 riders); USD 3090 (6-8); USD 3250 (4-5); USD 3685 (3); USD 4060 (2) 6 days / 5 nights, 6 days riding, average 5-6 hours a day Puelo Ride 23rd to 30th January 2019 USD 3660 per person, (9-10 riders); USD 3800 (6-8); USD 3900 (4-5); USD 4470 (3); USD 4850 (2) 8 days / 7 nights, 8 days riding, average 7-8 hours a day Huaso Ride 1st to 7th November rd to 29th March 2019 USD 2970 per person, (9-10 riders); USD 3080 (6-8); USD 3180 (4-5); USD 3630 (3); USD 3800 (2) 7 days / 6 nights, 6 days riding, average 5-6 hours a day

5 [5] Rates cont. Rates include all meals (including wine with dinner); shared accommodation; guides, back-up & equipment; horses (riding and pack); set transfers (minibus and boats); Rates exclude flights to Puerto Montt / Bariloche; personal medical / travel insurance (which you must have); any visa fees; tips; extra nights accommodation (eg in Puerto Montt / Bariloche) NB For most itineraries you will need to spend the night before the ride departure date in Puerto Varas. We can book accommodation / arrange meeting and airport transfers. Single Supplement Rates are per person and on a shared basis. Single rooms are not generally an option as most of the houses in which you stay only have rooms which are twin, triple or dormitory style. 3 nights of the Grand Traverse are spent in hotels and it is possible to book a single room for these nights. Example Itineraries The following are examples of the itineraries planned for the various set date rides - although please note that these are only examples of what is planned / available and the day by day arrangements may be varied by your guides at their discretion if the weather or other local conditions require. Please enquire for the Huaso Ride itinerary. Andean Crossing Ride Own arrangements to arrive Puerto Varas (we can book hotels, arrange airport transfers etc) Day 1 - You will be met from your hotel in Puerto Varas by your guide and driven through the Valdivian temperate rainforest along the fjords of the Reloncavi estuary carved by glaciers that once flowed from the Patagonian icecap. Time for lunch at a local restaurant before crossing the lake by ferry (30 minutes) then drive on for about an hour to the end of the road where the baqueanos (the local horsemen) will be waiting with horses by the river. Cross the river by boat, the horses swimming alongside, then load the pack horses, saddle up the riding horses and ride to the farmhouse of a local family. Accommodation is at the farm, charming and simple, mostly in twin, triple or dormitory style rooms with shared bathrooms - and hot showers. Dinner and night at the farmhouse (about 1 ¾ hours riding and 4-5 hours transfer) (L,D) Day 2 - After breakfast the baqueanos prepare the pack horses, loading up the main luggage. The riding horses will also be tacked up and stirrups and saddles adjusted before setting off in direction of the Ventisqueros Valley. You will ride through untouched forest with few inhabitants, stopping for a relaxing picnic lunch on the sandy banks of the river. In the afternoon you will ride across the Ventisqueros river to arrive in time for tea at a remote but self-sufficient homestead which is your base for the next two nights. Time to relax and soak up the peace before dinner and the night. (6-7 hours riding) (B,L,D) Day 3 - A hearty breakfast before packing your lunch into your saddle bag and heading off on a relaxing ride, crossing the river once more to join the neighbouring valley and approach its hanging glacier. This little valley becomes wild and remote, with incredible flora, devoid of human inhabitants and home to the Alerce, the tallest species of tree in South America and one that can live for over 3000 years (the oldest recorded is over 3600 years old). A leisurely picnic box lunch before heading back to the homestead leaving time to explore on foot or relax with a glass of wine before dinner (about 4 hours riding). (B,L,D)

6 [6] Day 4 - Breakfast and then set off on a full-day ride towards la pasarela del Rio Puelo, an important local hanging bridge, once crucial for the communication between the local inhabitants and the outside world. This area is particularly spectacular due to its waterfalls and rapids. Stop for a picnic lunch near the bridge and in the afternoon ride on through ancient woodland to reach the shores of Lago Las Rocas. Leave the horses on the mainland and take a 10 minute boat trip to Isla las Bandurrias. Accommodation is in a charming guest house. Dinner and the night on Isla las Bandurrias. (6-7 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 5 - Breakfast and a short boat ride back to meet the horses on the mainland shore before setting off on a 2 hour ride to Lago Azul (Blue Lake), known for its crystal clear waters and abundance of fish. Picnic and a siesta on the shores of the lake. After lunch head deep into the Valdivian Forest, with its ancient Alerce trees, before arriving back at Lago las Rocas where you are met by the boat for your return to the island. Dinner and the night on Isla las Bandurrias (5-6 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 6 - After breakfast, and the boat trip back to the baqueanos and horses, set off on a morning ride (about 1 ½ hours riding) to the Mountain Police Station, Retén de Carabineros at Paso El Bolson. After clearing Chilean customs and immigration continue on to the shores of Lago Puelo where you say goodbye to your horse and take a boat across the lake (about 45 minutes) to the Argentine border on the far shore. After Argentine border formalities a minibus will be waiting to transfer you about 20 minutes to El Bolson for a late lunch at a local restaurant. You have a little time for shopping and to explore before driving on to the town of Bariloche (about 2 ½ hours). Own arrangement for onward travel. (B,L) Grand Traverse Day 1 - Own arrangements to arrive Bariloche airport in Argentina. Meet your guide and transfer with the group to a hotel in Bariloche. A full briefing and a traditional asadao (barbecue) dinner at a local restaurant. Night at the hotel. (D) Day 2 - An early breakfast before driving towards the Ñirihuau area about 30 kms from Barlioche, where there are a number of family run ranches. After meeting the horses saddle up and set off, passing the Cerro las Buitreras and following La Mina river into the wilderness. A picnic lunch before continuing on to the Pichileufú river where the first night is spent in camp on the banks of the stream. (6-7 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 3 - After breakfast set off riding, firstly through gentle hills and large valleys, then ascending a path that is mainly used by local countrymen to move their cattle. Arrive the pass Paso sin Nombre, meters above sea level. There are beautiful rock formations and views open onto a large valley enclosed by mountains, the Alto Chubut. Continue riding to reach an idyllic spot surrounded by native Southern beech forests (northofagus pumilio) where camp is set up close to an isolated shepherds hut. Dinner and night in camp (5-7 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 4 - Striking camp and leave behind the forests and clear streams to descend to the Patagonian Steppe. This area is semi-desert, with native tussock grass Coiron, berberis bushes calafate and small Antarctica beech trees (northofagus Antarctica). The route leads to the shores of the Chubut river and there are signs of old human habitation including deserted corrals and an abandoned gold mine. Dinner and the night at El Sapucai, a small farmhouse belonging to your hosts on the shores of the Chubut river (NB there is no electricity here but there is a shower with hot water!) (5-7 hours riding). (B,L,D)

7 [7] Day 5 - Breakfast in the farmhouse and set off riding on a route climbing up the cordillera, crossing wetlands, through forests and over rocky sections, your Criollo horse making light work of the terrain. Reach a high point to be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and snowy peaks. Stop for a picnic lunch before taking a different route back down again, through Ñirre forests (the same Antarctic beech trees) and ancient lenga (large beech) woodland. Back to El Sapucai for dinner and the night. (5-6 hours riding) (B,L,D) Day 6 - The last day riding in Argentina, exploring the Alto Chubut area. Follow the Chubut River to Puesto Viejo, passing small farms, hidden away in this remote region. The inhabitants are mostly descendants of the original people: the Mapuche Indians, and they live an isolated life, hardly ever visiting a town. Meeting the back up vehicle you share a last picnic with the Argentinian baqueanos before saying goodbye to the horses and team. A two hour transfer by minibus to the small town of Lago Puelo, close to Lago Puelo National Park and surrounded by mountains. The night is spent at Casa Puelo, a lovely lodge just out of town (about 3 hours riding). (B, L, D) Day 7 - A day free from riding but some important miles to cover nevertheless. After a relaxed breakfast you transfer to Lago Puelo quay, and board the boat which is waiting to take you across to Chile (about 2 ½ hours). After clearing Argentine customs you cross the rapids that divide Argentina and Chile. Stop here for a picnic lunch and then, after passing through the Chilean customs control, there will be a 10 minute walk to Lago Las Rocas. Here you meet the motorboat will take you to Isla las Bandurrias where accommodation is in a charming guest house. Dinner and the night on Isla las Bandurrias. (B,L,D) Day 8 - Breakfast and a short boat ride to meet the horses on the mainland shore before setting off on a 2 hour ride to Lago Azul. Picnic and a siesta on the shore of the lake, and then head deep into the Valdivian Forest - a temperate rain forest with ancient Alerce trees (Fitzroya Cupresoide) as well as other local giants such as the Coihue and Arrayanes. Wend your way back to the shores of Lago las Rocas where you are met by the boat for your return to the island for dinner and the night (5-6 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 9 - After breakfast, a short boat trip back to the horses and then set off riding to the source of the River Puelo. You take a traditional raft across the river (the horses swim across!) and then continue down the Puelo valley towards the Pacific Ocean, stopping for lunch at a scenic spot surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Las Mellizas lagoons. Ride across the Ventisqueros River and reach a cozy house in front Rio Puelo where the night is spent. (5-6 hours riding). (B, L, D) Day 10 - After a typically hearty Chilean breakfast, saddle up and ride across the bridge, then follow the west side of the Ventisqueros valley, with plenty of interesting river crossings en route. Lunch is a picnic on the riverbank and perhaps time for a siesta. In the afternoon, ride on, almost to the end of the valley, to a small house which is your home for the next two nights (about 6 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 11 - Breakfast, pack your lunch into your saddle bag, and head off on a relaxing ride crossing the river once more to join the neighbouring valley and approach its hanging glacier. This little valley becomes wild and remote, with fascinating flora, and remains untarnished by human inhabitants. A leisurely picnic before heading back to the homestead leaving time to explore on foot or relax with a glass of wine before dinner (about 4 hours riding). (B,L,D)

8 [8] Day 12 - A farmhouse breakfast and back into the saddle! This morning s route takes you through beautiful ancient forest, across pampas and a number of rivers before stopping for a picnic lunch. Continue on through an amazingly fertile valley before boarding the ferry across the river, with the horses swimming alongside. Dinner and the night in a cosy farm cottage (about 6-7 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 13 - A good breakfast before the final stretch though the forest and along the banks of the Rio Puelo to the hamlet of Llanada Grande where you enjoy a picnic lunch together before saying goodbye to the horses and team. An hours drive takes you to the ferry that crosses the Lago Tagua-Tagua, then continue on to Puerto Varas taking the scenic route along the Reloncaví Estuary, through the Vicente Perez Rosales national park, and along the shores Lake Llanquihue with dramatic views of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco. Farewell dinner and the night in Puerto Varas (about 3 hours riding and 4 hours road transfer). (B,L,D) Day 14 - Breakfast and transfer to the airport in Puerto Montt. (B) Puelo Ride Own arrangements to arrive Puerto Varas (we can book hotels, arrange airport transfers etc) Day 1 - You will be met from your hotel by your guide at about and transferred by minibus through the Valdivian forest along the Reloncavi estuary to Lake Tagua-Tagua. Lunch at a local restaurant before crossing the lake by ferry and driving a further ½ hour to meet the baqueanos and horses at the Rio Manso. You will cross the river by boat, the horses swimming alongside. Then, once the horses have been saddled and packed, mount up and set off riding, following the valley of the Puelo river, past small farms and through areas of woodland, to a cosy cottage, home to one of your Chilean horsemen. Dinner and the night in the cottage (about 2 hours riding and 4-5 hours transfer). (L,D) Day 2 - After a good breakfast, load the packhorses and head off in the direction on the Puelo River through virgin forest along narrow tracks untouched by modern living. A picnic lunch by the river and a siesta before riding on to the house of Juana and Zolio, your hosts for the night. (about 5 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 3 - Today will be a long day riding through forests and along sandy river shores, crossing several tributaries of the Puelo river. As you negotiate this sometimes tricky terrain it becomes evident why the horse is the best means of travel in this part of Patagonia. A picnic lunch and continue on to the river bank where you say good bye to the baqueanos and horses who have been your travel companions thus far. A second team of horses and baqueanos will meet you here, the horses swimming the river to meet you. Saddle up and set off on your new mounts to a cosy cottage with wonderful views, the house of Olivia & Tito. Dinner and the night (about 6 hours riding). (B,L,D)

9 [9] Day 4 - After breakfast prepare the pack horses and set off riding into the Ventisqueros valley. A wonderful long day in the middle of the mountains awaits you - passing amazing forests, subsistence farms and crossing the fast-flowing Ventisqueros river. You will stop for a relaxing picnic lunch on the sandy shores of the river before riding on to the farmhouse belonging to Bernardita where you will be spending the next two nights. (6-7 hours riding) (B,L,D) Day 5 - Breakfast, pack your lunch into your saddle bag and head off on a relaxing ride crossing the river once more to join the neighbouring valley and approach its hanging glacier. A leisurely picnic by El Toro River before heading back to the homestead, leaving time to explore on foot, swim in the river or relax with a glass of wine before dinner (about 4 hours riding). (B,L,D) Day 6 - Breakfast and then set off on a full-day ride towards la pasarela del Rio Puelo, an important local hanging bridge crucial for the communication between the local inhabitants and the outside world. This is a spectacular place with waterfalls and rapids. The afternoon ride continues through ancient woodland before reaching the shores of Lago Las Rocas. Leaving the horses for the night, take a 10 minute boat trip to a private island, las Bandurrias, where accommodation is in a charming guest house. Dinner and the night on Isla las Bandurrias (6-7 hours riding). (B, L, D) Day 7 - Breakfast and a short boat ride to meet the horses on the shore before setting off on a 2½ to 3 hour ride, first stopping at the farm, La Colina, then riding on to Lago Azul (blue lake). Picnic and a siesta on the shore of the lake. After lunch head deep into the Valdivian Forest before arriving back on the shores of Lago Las Rocas and are met by the boat for your return to the island for dinner and the night. (5-6 hours riding) (B,L,D) Day 8 - After breakfast, and the boat trip back to the baqueanos and horses, set off on a morning ride (about 2 hours riding) to the Mountain Police Station, Retén de Carabineros at Paso El Bolson. After clearing Chilean customs and immigration continue on to the shores of Lago Puelo where you say goodbye to your horse and take a boat across the lake (about 45 minutes) to the Argentine border on the far shore. After Argentine border formalities a minibus will be waiting to transfer you about 20 minutes to El Bolson for a late lunch at a local restaurant. You have a little time for shopping and to explore before driving onto Bariloche (about 2 ½ hours). Own arrangements for the night (we can book hotels if required) (B,L)

10 [10] Flights and travel information The meeting point for the Andean Crossing, Puelo & Huaso Rides is Puerto Varas which is close to Puerto Montt airport, in the Chilean Lake District. There are regular daily flights from Santiago, Chile's capital, to Puerto Montt, with LAN Chile and also Sky Airlines. There is also an extensive network of buses (for example TurBus and Pulman) which are comfortable (flat bed seats), convenient and safe - the journey by bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt takes about 14 hours. British Airways have direct flights from London to Santiago; Iberia and LAN Chile fly to Santiago via Madrid, and TAM Brazil have flights via Sao Paolo. You can also fly with a combination of British Airways and LAN Chile or Aerolineas Argentinas to Santiago, via Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo or Miami. American Airlines also have flights via New York and Air France via Paris. Flights will cost from about 850 economy return, depending on the airline and season. The start point for the Grand Traverse is Bariloche in Argentina and there are regular daily flights from Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery (Aeroparque) domestic airport into San Carlos de Bariloche. British Airways currently have daily flight departures to Buenos Aires, usually leaving London Heathrow at about arriving Buenos Aires at about the next day. Iberia and Aerolineas Argentinas also have daily flights from London via Madrid to Buenos Aires. Other options are via the continent (eg Air France or Lufthansa) or via the USA. Fares to Buenos Aires start at about 850 per person economy return although this will vary depending on availability and how far in advance you book. You can also fly to Puerto Montt via Santiago and take scenic bus/boat route across to Bariloche. Again there are also luxury overnight buses (comfortable flat bed seats and good value) from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, the bus journey takes about 18 hours. Please call us for more flight information or if you would like a fare quote. Our ATOL number for flight bookings is General visa and health information (NB this is a brief outline - further information will be sent to you if you make a confirmed booking) Visas If you hold a full British Passport and are visiting Argentina or Chile for less than 3 months, you do not need to arrange a visa in advance although visa requirements are always subject to change and you should always check up to date requirements before you travel. Health No jabs are required as a condition of entry to Argentina or Chile from the UK and Europe. The Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London recommends that you ensure you are up to date Tetanus and Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B, Rabies and Typhoid may also be recommended in some circumstances. If you are not up to date with these you should visit your GP or a travel clinic about 4 weeks before departure. (DRAFT 15/12/18)